Mareike Wiening - Reveal

 

Mareika Wiening is one of my favourite jazz drummers and composers these days. Her original music is compelling and is played by a great band, the core of which she's managed to keep together over the course of several albums now. And she is also a dynamic drummer whose original style is rooted in the tradition while also progressive and original that matches her compositional concept perfectly.

Mareike is a busy person and she was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions about her new music below.

Photo ©Wolf Peter Steinheißer

Mareike Wiening, percussionist and composer, spent six years in Brooklyn, New York, where she cultivated her musical career. Since 2019, she has been commuting between the United States and Cologne, Germany, while actively participating in the international jazz scene.

Her career as an independent jazz musician encompasses a diverse array of projects and ensembles in New York and Europe. Since 2022, she has been serving as a lecturer in jazz percussion at the Zurich University of the Arts.

The Mareike Wiening Quintet, featuring longstanding musical partners Rich Perry, Glenn Zaleski, Alex Goodman, and Johannes Felscher, was nominated for the 2022 German Jazz Award. In November 2023, their third album, Reveal, is set to release on the renowned New York label of Dave Douglas, Greenleaf Music.

Concert tours have taken her across Germany, Denmark, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Norway, Lithuania, Brazil, and the United States. Mareike Wiening has graced prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Blue Note NYC, Jazzgallery NY, Jazzclub Unterfahrt, A-trane Berlin, the New York Winter Jazz Festival, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, and the Elbjazz Hamburg. She has also contributed to musical and theatrical productions in Europe and Off-Broadway shows in New York City. In 2023, she made an appearance in the documentary “Jazz Fever,” which was screened in theatres throughout Germany.

Mareike Wiening has collaborated with renowned musicians such as John Zorn, Stefon Harris, Dan Tepfer, Dayna Stephens, Fabian Almazan, Johannes Enders, Adrian Mears, Ben Wendel, and many others. Her exceptional performances have earned her accolades, and she serves as a MEINL endorser for cymbals and sticks.

Homepage and Shop:
http://mareikewiening.com/shop/

Linktree:
https://tr.ee/Y63vWEc28G

Greenleaf website news:
https://greenleafmusic.com/mareike-wienings-reveal-revealed/

Greenleaf Bandcamp:
https://mareikewiening.bandcamp.com/album/reveal

Photo ©Luke Marantz

Mareika Wiening Reveal - Four on the Floor: November 2023

1) Tell us about your latest recording!

My new album, "Reveal," is an embodiment of my recent life experiences and observations, both global and personal. The process of creating this album began as I looked around at the world, witnessing the significant changes and challenges we've all faced: the global pandemic, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the political strife not just in the U.S. but across Europe. These tumultuous events, alongside my return to Germany from New York after six years and personal trials, including the loss of a close family member and societal pressures, have deeply influenced my creative process. "Reveal" emerged from a desire not to dwell in the darkness of these challenges, but to find light and hope within them. 

This album is a journey of introspection, a search for the core essence that first connected me to music.In crafting "Reveal," I realized that in times of uncertainty and change, music could be a source of comfort and inspiration. It's a reminder that, amidst the turmoil, there remains a constant – the enduring power of music to uplift, heal, and connect us. This album is a reflection of my journey as a person and a musician, navigating a world of uncertainty with the solace and joy that music brings.

2) How did you choose your repertoire and sidemen?

I composed the songs during the last year and recorded with my longtime working quintet. But I also had the urge of adding another voice for certain tunes. I always wanted to pair Rich with a second horn player and was looking for strong artistic voice that would fit the overall band sound. That’s why I asked esteemed trumpeter and Greenleaf founder Dave Douglas. He was the perfect fit!

3) What inspired you to pursue the vibe and instrumentation that you did?

The instrumentation is set through my longtime working band. Musically, I wanted to explore a broader palette of textures and emotions, blending the traditional elements of jazz with contemporary influences.

4) Was there a particular message you were trying to convey to the listener?

I aimed to convey a message of resilience, introspection, and hope. Through the compositions, I wanted to take listeners on a journey that mirrored my own experiences during a period marked by significant global and personal challenges. The album is an invitation to delve into a spectrum of emotions, from contemplation and sorrow to optimism and strength.
It's about finding beauty and strength in vulnerability, and the transformative power of music to heal and uplift.

5) Who are your influences with regards to your style of writing and playing?

Guillermo Klein for sure! Playing drums: definitely Elvin Jones and Bill Stewart these days.

6) What are you practicing/studying/listening to/researching these days?

Researching how to compose and arrange for symphonic orchestra and that’s why also listening to a lot of different pieces from Stravinsky to Bach and modern pieces. I’m always transcribing solos or small ideas and try to develop those on the drums.

I also get inspired by my students at the Conservatory in Zurich. They all have very different backgrounds and difficulties and often I try to challenge myself in getting involved in new territories.

7) What other current and future projects do you have on the go at the moment?

I got a commission to write a piece for orchestra and also arrange it. That’s going to be a major project for the next several month as I have no experience in writing for orchestra. I’m very much looking forward to this challenge though. Otherwise I’m very active with the trio and quartet of Korean pianist Gee Hye Lee. Also preparing for a couple new projects I’m involved in that will start in 2024.

8) How does the drums and your overall approach to rhythm factor into your compositions and concept?

First of all I compose mainly on the piano. Once the tune is mostly finished I always sit down at the drums and try out the composition, see how it feels, try out different grooves, change little things to improve the overall flow of the tune. Rhythms are very important. If I can make the tune groove by playing it together with the midi file, it’s usually done.

9) What drummers or other musicians do you consider as influences?

Elvin Jones, Brad Mehldau, Philly Joe Jones and Bill Stewart

10) What advice do you have for younger, aspiring jazz musicians and jazz drummers?

For aspiring jazz musicians and drummers, focus on mastering the fundamentals of jazz and your instrument. Immerse yourself in diverse jazz styles and practice as much as possible to improve your technique and improvisational skills. Play with others as much as possible to develop your sense of timing and ensemble playing, and always stay open to learning and experimenting.

Jeff "Tain" Watts & George Garzone!

From a recent hit at Bar Bayeux in New York City, here's the full saxophone/drums duet of George Garzone and Jeff "Tain" Watts!

The Monday Morning Paradiddle - November 2023

And...we're back.

Thanks for checking in and I'm pleased to offer you the November 2023 edition of The Monday Morning Paradiddle, my occasional and semi-regular jazz drumming variety column (however, I just realized that I haven't published one of these since late July...anyways, here it is. Busy times I suppose!)

I was fortunate to spend some time in New York City earlier this Fall following a busy summer on the road, studying with John Riley, checking out gigs and all my favourite drummers on a nightly basis and, of course, drinking the best coffee I could find in mid-town Manhattan. 

Thank you to all of those whose generosity (musically and otherwise) made my time in New York a truly special and inspiring experience. Onwards and Upwards.

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Anyways, here's a collection of interesting things making the rounds around the Four on the Floor office these days...

The Monday Morning Paradiddle - November 2023

1. Vinnie Sperrazza continues to offer great insight and commentary in his ongoing series Chronicles including excellent pieces on:

Ed Blackwell

Philly Joe Jones

Tony Bennett and Jazz Drummers

Clifford Jarvis

Terri Lyne Carrington

Ed Blackwell, Elvin Jones and John Coltrane

Five Awkward Conversations with Paul Motian

2. Billy Martin interviewed by the Free Jazz Collective

3. Montreal's Michel Lambert Le Coloriste entrevue par Citizen Jazz

4. Allison Miller and Tina Raymond interviewed on The Working Drummer Podcast 

5. Four features and interviews with Max Roach from NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross

6. Kendrick Scott offers his thoughts on Max Roach via PBS, on the heels of the release of the recent documentary Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes on Amercian Masters.

If you haven't seen this excellent work yet, check it out. Now!

7. Check out Sherrie Maricle's excellent collection of drum tips on her YouTube page. Sherrie is the real deal and there are lots of great lessons and things to practice here!

8. Joe LaBarbera and Peter Magadini both reflect on the legacy of Tony Williams from Not So Modern Drummer.

Sadly, Peter passed away last August. I didn't know him very well but our paths did cross on several occasions when we both lived in Montreal during the mid 1990s and I also use his books routinely in my own teaching practice.

Check out Aldo Mazza's interview with Peter from his ongoing series Shaping Your Journey:

9. Montreal bassist Fraser Hollins interviews my teacher and good friend Dave Laing in his ongoing drum and bass interview series The Hook Up: 

I am really hoping that Fraser interviews Montreal's Andre White next...

10. Allison Miller playing great drums as always!

 

11. A great interview and lesson with my good friend Geoff Clapp:

12. Willie Jones III and Rudy Royston both interviewed by the Drum Candy Podcast:

 

 

13. 10 Reasons to Love Elvin Jones from Thomas Wendt and the Drum Candy Podcast: 

 

...and 10 Reasons to Love Joe Chambers:

14. Ulysses Owens Jr. and Drumeo offer How to Play Jazz on The Drums:

 

15. Joe Farnsworth with Emmet Cohen:

 

16. The 80/20 Drummer interviews John Riley, Dan Weiss and Stanton Moore: 

 

17. Quincy Davis continues to share great concepts and things to practice in his ongoing Q-Tips series on YouTube. There's a wealth of information here folks, so check it out! 

 

18. A few words of wisdom from the always inspiring Matt Wilson:

19. What am I listening to these days?

Allison Miller "Rivers in Our Veins" - Allison Miller (drums)

Don Cherry "Art Deco" - Billy Higgins (drums)

Max Roach & The J.C. White Singers "Lift Every Voice and Sing" - Max Roach (drums)

Kelly Jefferson "Rituals" - Morgan Childs (drums)

Oscar Peterson Trio "Night Train" - Ed Thigpen (drums)

Philly Joe Jones "Drums Around the World" - Philly Joe Jones (drums)

Joel Haynes "The Return!" - Joel Haynes (drums)

George Sluppick "Play What You Love" - George Sluppick (drums)

20. And today's Last Word goes to the great swing drummer and teacher Cozy Cole:

“The more you study, the more you find out what you don’t know, but the more you study, the closer you come.”

- Cozy Cole

Triplet Accents!

I'm a little late to the blogging party this week (sorry, things have been busy!) but here's a short, scrappy video of a little triplet accent exercise I've been practicing lately and working on with my students. 

This one was inspired by Philly Joe Jones and the inspiring social media offerings of Sherrie Maricle and Joe Farnsworth's drum pad inventions, based on the teachings of Alan Dawson and Clifford Jarvis.

I play through these variations with the hi-hat on beats 2&4, feathering the bass drum on all four beats.

Maybe I'll film another video at some point but you can also fill in the un-accented triplets with double-stroke and press rolls. You can also play these variations with all the right hand accents on the floor tom and all the left hand accents on the tom tom.

And don't forget...make it swing!

Tina Raymond - Divinations

Tina Raymond is an accomplished drummer and composer, currently based in Los Angeles. She recently released her new album Divinations and she was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions about her new music.

Visit www.tinaraymond.com to learn more about Tina and her music.

Tina Raymond Divinations - Four on the Floor: October 2023

1) Tell us about your latest recording!

Divinations is a collection of six original songs inspired by tarot cards from various decks. It features Andrew Renfroe on Guitar and Karl McComas Reichl on bass.

2) How did you choose your repertoire and sidemen?

I wrote these pieces in a very short period of time on similar subject matter, so they all fit together almost like a suite. I've played with both Karl and Andrew for a few years, and both have similar approaches to music in that they're fearless in their approach, but meticulous in their concept of sound. It also helps that we all live within ten minutes of each other - which is rare in LA. Two summers ago we were able to get together to play just for fun a few times, and I really loved the synergy among the three of us.

3) What inspired you to pursue the vibe and instrumentation that you did?

The instrumentation made sense with these two musicians, and I felt that trio format gave all of us enough room to stretch. The vibe came together organically. As I was mixing the record, I realized that the song, "The Emperor" really needed to be mixed more like a rock tune than a jazz tune, and that then set the tone for how the whole album was set sonically.

4) Was there a particular message you were trying to convey to the listener?

This album was a whimsical journey for me into my own voice as a musician and writer. The messages are less for the listeners and more for me - but if the listeners also walk away experiencing the emotional embodiment the music was trying to connect to - even better. Each song sits in an energetic space that the tarot card it was inspired by describes. For example, The Emperor card describes unwavering power that is fair and firm, and even in nature unless provoked. My creative process was then, "what does unwavering power... maybe provoked a little.." sound like? It would be great if listeners connected on that.

5) Who are your influences with regards to your style of writing?

Wayne Shorter, Monk, Ornette Coleman, Charlie Haden, Bobby Bradford - these artists wrote some memorable melodies. To me, the mark of a good song is one that gets stuck in your head.

6) What are you practicing/studying/listening to/researching these days?

I'm working with a student on some Roy Haynes transcriptions right now, so going back to We Three and Now He Sings, Now He Sobs. I've got another student working on Philly Joe and fundamental language, so we're listening to Everybody Digs Bill Evans and marvelling at the lack of toms - you don't even miss them!

I'm also loving some new music that's coming out of LA right now. Billy Mohler's new album Ultraviolet with Nate Wood on drums is fantastic, as is Anthony Fung's new album Fo(u)rth.

7) What other current and future projects do you have on the go at the moment?

I'm on Rachel Eckroth's most recent release on Sam First Records called Humanoid. We've got her album release shows in early November, as well as some tour dates for that in the new year. A band I co-lead, Esthesis Quartet, has some shows coming up, as well as an album featuring our Chamber Music of America Grant Mentor, Bill Frisell, that is still in the production phases.

I also teach full-time at California State University Northridge, and am working on a whole lot of projects involving my students. We've got end of semester concerts in November, as well as all the plans for next semester productions. We're VERY excited to have Helen Sung coming in to play with the big bands in early March - that should be very exciting.

8) How does the drums and your overall approach to rhythm factor into your compositions and concept?

As a drummer, my partner in crime is the bassist, so when I'm writing my ear frequently goes straight to a bass line. I think I also write using space in my forms and melody for the drums to interject.

9) What drummers do you consider as influences?

Art Blakey, Max Roach, Philly Joe Jones, Mel Lewis are probably some of the biggest influences. I love Art Blakey's energetic space - you know it's Art Blakey immediately on recordings. Max Roach and Philly Joe Jones are where jazz solo language really comes together for me - I'm constantly working on transcriptions of their solos with students and discussing the thematic development and vocabulary. Mel Lewis' ride cymbal pattern and ability to keep a band in line with the most simple gestures is also something I admire.

10) What advice do you have for younger, aspiring jazz musicians and jazz drummers?

Learn the rules before you break them, but getting to the point of breaking them - or manipulating the guidelines to fit your aesthetic - is paramount in finding creative freedom and your voice on the instrument. Also - be mindful of your posture and technique. This whole endeavour has potential for repetitive stress injuries, and being conscious of moving and sitting in a healthy way will help your longevity. 

Alan Jones!

 

Some great footage of Portland's Alan Jones, one of my favourite drummers these days and someone everyone should know about, soloing over On Green Dolphin Street from a performance with the Bridge Quartet featuring tenor saxophonist Phil Dwyer, pianist Miles Black and bassist Tom Wakeling, recorded last October 2022 at Frankie's in Vancouver, British Columbia.

And here's another fiery one of Jones in action from an earlier hit at the now long gone Portland jazz club Jimmy Mak's: 

Music Monday!

Well, things have been busy around here following my inspiring and productive week in New York City and then a whirlwind trip to Edmonton, Alberta this past weekend, playing at the Yardbird Suite. 

I'm also playing at Fluid Fest in Calgary this week with my new show TapBassDrums featuring Lisa La Touche (tap dancer) and Jodi Proznick (bass). See the post below for more information and tickets.

Anyways, things are definitely on the go these days but there is always something to share over here at Four on the Floor. Here's a smattering of interesting music I've been watching/checking out lately and I hope you dig it too:

Lewis Nash & Steve Wilson Duo:

Andrew Cyrille and Bill McHenry:

 

Jack DeJohnette "Time & Space" featuring Dave Holland:

 

Alan Dawson with Kenny Barron and Bob Cranshaw:

Joe Lovano, John Patitucci and Brian Blade: 

James Williams and his Magical Trios featuring Art Blakey and Elvin Jones:

"Take care of the music, 

and the music will take care of you!"

- Dizzy Gillespie

Sunny Murrary & Ed Blackwell - Willisau 1980

Thank you to Chad Anderson for sharing this fascinating drum duet of Ed Blackwell and Sunny Murray playing duo in Willisau, Switzerland circa. 1980:

TapBassDrums!

TapBassDrums

appearing at Fluid Fest

Friday, October 20th and Saturday, October 21st 

7:00pm

The GRAND - 608 1st Street SW Calgary, AB


Featuring:

Lisa La Touche - tap

Jodi Proznick - bass

Jonathan McCaslin - drums

Tickets available at: 

https://springboardperformance.com/events/tapbassdrums

Jeff Ballard on Cymbals!

Thank you to Matthias Kuert who shared this incredible footage of Jeff Ballard playing through a collection of amazing old K cymbals.

A selection of old K's played by bandleader, composer and master jazz drummer Jeff Ballard

Recorded on 19 March 2019 in Switzerland

Jeff Ballard was teaching at Jazzcampus Basel that day and was kind enough to drop by my place that evening. 

Jeff plays a selection of 12 old K's made in Istanbul, and a 20" Roberto Spizzichino 

I dedicated this video to the online-forum-community "CYMBALHOLIC.COM", which unfortunately was taken offline shortly afterwards 

Mics are 2 Neumann U87 Ai as overhead, no frequency corrections 

1960's Gretsch Round Badge Black Diamond Pearl 

BD 14"x 18", Toms 8"x12" & 14"x14", Snare 5"x14" 8 lugs 

You can also see Swiss drummer Andreas Hoerni and me from time to time

Jeff is undoubtedly one of the great drummers of our time. Check out this wonderful feature as well, from Jazzcampus Basel:

OPTION: Francisco Mela Solo!

Francisco Mela has been a favourite drummer of mine for sometime now and I'm always interested to hear what he's up to.

Here's a dynamic solo set from last summer, recorded for Chicago's Experimental Sound Studio series.

His comments in the ensuing interview at the very end are also very honest and compelling. Check it out.

Here's a couple of other older solo pieces that I quite enjoy watching as well and find myself returning to from time to time:

"We play music to free our souls!" - Francisco Mela

Snare Drum...

Prototype Snare Drum v1.0

Custom made by Ed Peck, EPEK Drums (Regina, SK Canada)

Logo design by Chad Anderson

Max Roach - Un Poco Loco

A brief, but fascinating audio recording of Max Roach describing first-hand his unique drum beat on Bud Powell's composition Un Poco Loco:

 

And to get even deeper into Max's important and clever pattern, here is Quincy Davis' breakdown from his excellent and ongoing Q-Tip YouTube.com jazz drumming lesson series:

As always, when the Masters speak, we listen.

Living Music: A Film About Ra Kalam Bob Moses

Hey! My friend Clifford Koufman is working very hard and raising money to film a documentary about the great Ra Kalam Bob Moses and he needs our help!

https://jazzineurope.mfmmedia.nl/2023/09/bob-moses-preserving-the-legacy-of-a-musical-luminary/

A forthcoming documentary will highlight the life and musical legacy of pioneering drummer, composer, and innovator Ra Kalam Bob Moses. Moses has influenced generations of musicians and has played with Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, and Charles Mingus. Sadly, Moses recently received a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. This film aims to help tell his story while there is still time.

Produced and directed by Nashville musician, educator, and interview show host Clifford Koufman, the film will follow Moses’ journey from his early days jamming with jazz legends in New York to his rise as an artist who has transcended genres and styles. Moses is known for his albums Bittersuite in the Ozone and When Elephants Dream of Music, and for his contributions to Pat Metheny’s Bright Size Life, an album that was deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry. Moses has developed his own philosophy of “living music” and mentored musicians seeking creative freedom.

“The most unconventional music lesson of my life led to this project,” says filmmaker Koufman of his first drum lesson with Moses. Since that lesson, Koufman and Moses have spent almost twenty years cultivating a friendship and mentee mentor relationship that have inspired Koufman to share what he’s learned through film. Koufman will conduct interviews and document the conversations of musical greats as they interact.

The film will also include interviews with other musicians Moses has influenced or collaborated with over the years. Locations for filming will include New Orleans, New York, Virginia, and other areas significant to Moses’ career.

This September, the heart of the documentary will be shot over a week in New Orleans. It will include live performances, master classes, and a recording session in which Moses will be joined by renowned musicians such as drummer Johnny Vidacovich and percussionist Bill Summers.

“Ra Kalam Bob Moses has impacted me and many others in unpredictable artistic and spiritual ways,” says Koufman. This film will convey Moses’ influence on music. In addition, Moses will narrate his personal journey as a free-spirited and innovative musical figure.

For information, to support the film, or for media interest email info@soundandrhythm.com or visit https://igg.me/at/bobmosesdrummerfilm.

Generations: The Suit

Well, I'm super excited about these upcoming performances and very proud of this collaborative project that's literally been four years in the making!

“The Suit” is a contemporary solo dance piece featuring dancer Davida Monk, choreographed by Catherine Hayward, and a score of solo drum set and percussion music featuring myself on drums!

I've been dreaming about doing something like this for a long time now and looking forward to offering my vision of how solo drums can accompany a solo dancer in a musically compelling and creative way.

I took a lot of inspiration from a variety of percussive sources including Antonio Sanchez (aka "Birdman"), Andrew Cyrille, Milford Graves, Max Roach, Billy Martin, Rudy Royston, Francisco Mela, George Marsh, Susie Ibarra and many others (and the list goes on and on...)

If you find yourself in Calgary, Alberta September 22nd or 23rd, please come and check us out.

The evening includes four solo pieces by female artists who call Alberta home: Nicole Charlton Goodbrand, Catherine Hayward, Helen Husak and Davida Monk.

This production explores how different generations respond to the world. Does their work speak differently to you, the audience? And what can we learn from each other?

Come and enjoy an afternoon or evening of contemporary dance and satisfy your curiosity. 

GENERATIONS 

featuring "The Suit"

TICKETS ON SALE | DJD Dance Centre | $25

https://www.decidedlyjazz.com/experience/events/generations/

September 22 - 730pm & post-show artist talk
September 23 - 2pm
September 23 - 730pm

For the extra curious, catch Friday night's post-show artist talk to learn more about the artists and their work.

Featuring works by:

Nicole Charlton Goodbrand with projection artist and designer Derek Demassi. Text written and performed by collaborator Ryan John Arnold.

Davida Monk, danced by Meghann Michalsky

Helen Husak

Catherine Hayward, danced by Davida Monk with original music composed and performed by Jon McCaslin (solo drums)

Photos: Aran Wilkinson-Blanc
Graphic Design: Heather Close

Joel Haynes - The Return!

I'm really excited to feature this new music on my blog! Joel generously sent me a copy of new CD last week and its been on heavy rotation around my house lately.

The Return! is Haynes' highly anticipated follow-up to his excellent albums Transitions and The Time is Now that features Seamus Blake (tenor saxophone), Tilden Webb (piano) and Neil Swainson (bass).

I first met Joel while I was a student at McGill University back in the mid-90s. In fact, he was playing the drums on the very first gig I ever attended in Montreal, an evening of Blues & Ballads at a long defunct jazz club on St. Laurent Blvd called Cleo's. The band featured Joel on drums, Kelly Jefferson on tenor saxophone, Tilden Webb on piano and Dave Watts on bass and of course it was swinging! Almost 30 years later, these guys are still some of my favourite musicians anywhere. Joel was burning that night and instantly reaffirmed and validated my decision to move to Montreal.

A couple years later I convinced Joel to give me a drum lesson up in the McGill practice rooms. He was the first person who hipped me to Billy Drummond!

If you are in the Vancouver or Toronto areas, check out Joel and his band on these dates:

The Return! Release dates:

September 8th & 9th at Frankie’s - Vancouver, BC
September 10th &11th at The Rex - Toronto, ON
September 12th at The Jazz Bistro - Toronto, ON
September 14th &15th at Hirut jazz cafe - Toronto, ON

 
The Return! is available to download on all digital sites starting on September 8th and hard copy CD’s available online at cellarlive https://www.cellarlive.com/, cdbaby and by contacting Joel at joel@haynesdrumstudio.com

Joel was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about his new music.

Joel Haynes - The Return! - Four on the Floor: September 2023

1) Tell us about your latest recording!

Recorded at Monarch Studios in Vancouver. The band is Seamus Blake on tenor, Tilden Webb on Piano and Neil Swainson on Bass. The session went great and we just powered through all the tunes. We started recording at 10:30 am and finished at 3pm with a lunch break! Pretty much all the tunes were first takes.

2) How did you choose your repertoire and sidemen?

I wanted it to be mostly originals so I wrote 4 tunes and arranged "Tomorrow Never Knows" and Tilden wrote 2 originals and he had an arrangement of "angel" that I wanted to do.

The Return - was named for the 15 year gap since my last recording

Peregrination - was named for the long journey it was between recordings

Tomorrow Never Knows - one of my favourite Beatles tunes

Allure - wrote my 4 originals on a 1 month cruise ship contract and the ship was "Allure of the Seas". Its meaning is "beautiful, attractive and fascinating", so I thought it was a perfect tune to name after my wife Lisa.

Angel - chosen for my mother in law that has survived 3 rounds of Chemo and 2 rounds of Radiation over the years and she's still with us at 90yrs old.

Payback - an uptempo minor blues with some lingering feelings of a situation that happened in the past.

SIDEMEN - Seamus was performing at Cory Weeds' "Jazz at the Bolt" festival last February and Cory called me up and he said, "Haynes! you told me to let you know when Seamus is in Canada and available" He mentioned that Neil Swainson was going to be there also and having Tilden was a no brainer! We've been playing together since 1989. We had a quick rehearsal to run down the tunes and two 1 hour sets that day at the festival. We recorded the day after at Monarch studios in Vancouver.

3) What inspired you to pursue the vibe and instrumentation that you did?

I wanted to make a statement and a "return" from not having done my own record for 15 yrs. Seamus was on my last recording "transitions" and Tilden was on the last two of my recordings so it only fit to have them again. I also wanted my "dream team" rhythm section, so having Neil Swainson already in Vancouver and available at that time was a no brainer!

4) Was there a particular message you were trying to convey to the listener?

Not really, I just wanted to make a swinging album with amazing players again after 15 years.

5) Who are your influences with regards to your style of writing and playing?

Writing - Terence Blanchard, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, The Beatles and Joe Henderson

Playing - Roy Haynes, Jimmy Cobb, Philly Joe Jones, Tony Williams, Bill Stewart, Jeff Watts, Elvin jones, Brian Blade and Troy Davis

6) What are you practicing/studying/listening to/researching these days?

Always the Syncopation book Pg 29-32 for limb independence, playing along with tunes and working on other peoples music for different projects.

7) What other current and future projects do you have on the go at the moment?

I just finished a recording session last week with vocalist John Neudorf's project. It was with Nancy Walker, Kevin Turcotte and Neil Swainson. I am also starting a series of drumline gigs playing for the Hamilton TiCats games, should be fun and you get to watch the game from the field : )

8) How do the drums and your overall approach to rhythm factor into your compositions and concept?

Very much so! I sketch out the tune first with what rhythmical angles, shots and pushes I want. I then sketch out the bass lines. If it's a swing feel, I'll just figure out what shots and pushes and if it's a straight 8th groove, I'll write an actual bass line. I'll then add the harmonic progression and form of the tune.

9) What drummers (or other musicians) do you consider as influences?

I started out with Kenny Clark, Jimmy Cobb, Ed Thigpen and Philly Joe in my 1st and 2nd years then moved onto Roy Haynes, Brian Blade, Bill Stewart and Jeff "Tain" watts during my McGill Days. I was always playing along to Oscar Peterson's Night Train and Miles' Kind of Blue.

10) What advice do you have for younger, aspiring jazz musicians and jazz drummers?

Use your practice time wisely while at school, because you won't have that time when you're out of school. Also practice what you NEED to practice, rather than what you already have a handle on. Go play gigs and meet other musicians as much as possible. 

When I moved to Toronto from Montreal in August 2000, I subbed in any big band reading sessions or gigs so I could meet as many musicians as I could. I also called Terry Clark and introduced myself to him : )

Philly Joe Jones!

And...we're back!

I hope you all had a nice and pleasant summer and now easing back into your Fall routine. I'm now back from my own touring and travels, back in the saddle and finally returning to blogging here at Four on the Floor after a nice decent break.

I thought I would start off the first post of the month with some interesting pieces on the great Philly Joe Jones including:

• Philly Joe's Beat by Nate Chinen

• A piece on the occasion of Philly Joe Jones' centennial by Ethan Iverson

• For Philly Joe Jones by Vinnie Sperrazza

• The Drum History Podcast features a discussion on PJJ with Tim Carman, author of the new book "Philly-ISM":

 

• As always, Quincy Davis offers his insightful commentary and observations:

 

• Ten "must know" PJJ drum solos...

...and (possibly) all of Philly's recorded brush solos compiled here:

 

• Philly Joe Jones and bassist Paul Chambers playing a bass/drums duet on "I'm Confessin":

 

• And finally, a very rare recording of Mr. Jones playing an extended solo piece entitled "Spontaneous Expression": 

Philly Joe Jones has long been a personal favourite and important influence of mine, going back to when I was an 18 year-old, first-year music major at school. His hard swinging style, melodically influenced rudiment derived drum solos and extensive recorded legacy offer us a wealth of music to study, learn from and enjoy. Without a doubt, whenever I listen to Philly Joe Jones I hear and learn something new.

The Monday Morning Paradiddle - July 2023

And...we're back.

Thanks for checking in and I hope everyone is enjoying their Summer holidays. This will be the last Monday Morning Paradiddle column for the foreseeable future and also my last blog post until September. I'm focusing on some other things in my world at the moment before I hit the road at the end of July with Calgary's Decidedly Jazz Danceworks company. We'll be in Quebec, Ottawa and then doing a week-long run at Jacob's Pillow (Massachusetts) in August so please say hello if you happen to be in the area.

Thank you to everyone who checked out the third instalment of my Four on the Floor Instagram *Live* series this Spring. A big shout out to Chad Anderson, George Sluppick, Geoff Clapp, Colleen Clark, Alvester Garnett, Peter Retzlaff, Jason Tiemann, Pete Zimmer, Tim Reinert and Keith Hall for sharing their time and knowledge with me and to everyone who tuned in. I hope to resume this series using Instagram Live again in the future, maybe in the Fall.

Calgary's JazzYYC jazz festival recently happened and I heard a ton of great drummers that week including Jacob Wutzke, Louis-Vincent Hamel, Marito Marques, Ernesto Cervini, Luis Tovar, Efa Etoroma Jr., Kyle Poole, Ben Brown and Jim Doxas. Thank you for your music!

And now, here's an assortment of recent things to check out that I happen to find compelling, interesting, inspiring, motivating and would like to share with you all (after all, this is what this whole blog thing is about!) There is plenty here to keep you occupied until I resume blogging in the Fall so please enjoy.

The Monday Morning Paradiddle - July 2023

1. Please check out the Practicing Drummer Podcast with great interviews featuring Dan Weiss, George Fludas, Billy Drummond, Colin Stranahan and Brad Webb. 

Keep up the great work Craig!

2. Alan Dawson: Boston's House Drummer from Richard Vacca's blog

3. Thank you to the UK's Allan Cox for sharing this March 1984 Modern Drummer Interview with Jim Blackley:

https://allancox.co.uk/pages/an-interview-with-jim-blackley-by-t-bruce-wittet

I've also been shedding Blackley's seminal text Syncopated Rolls for the Modern Drummer and I've found it to be very helpful and useful in my own playing lately.

4. Dig this wonderful YouTube playlist compiled by drummer/blogger Francesco Vecchio featuring a wealth of great Brazilian music to check out, listen to, study and play along with:

https://francisdrummingblog.com/2023/07/07/drum-practice-playlist-brazilian-songs-collection-samba-partido-alto-bossa-nova/

 

5. Quincy Davis continues to knock it out of the park with regular instalments to his Q-Tips series on YouTube. 

Dig this episode on dealing with soloing at Fast tempos:

 

Congratulations to Quincy on 10 years of fantastic content and lessons on his Q-Tips YouTube page!

6. The Drum Candy Podcast features Rochester's always hard swinging Mike Melito:

 

7. Dr. Jazz Samo Salamon with interviews featuring Dan Weiss, Antonio Sanchez and Jeff Sipe:

 

8. A couple clips of Joe Farnsworth in action, doing what he does best (or as Joe would say RIP!):

 

9. Here's a trailer for an upcoming publication featuring Billy Hart and Eric Thielemans entitled "Talking About the Weather":

 

This looks great!

10. And speaking of great, here's Brian Blade with a "short" drum solo:

 

11. And more fantastic footage of Billy Drummond this time from a recent hit at New York's Mezzrow jazz club:

12. Gregory Hutchinson in action!

 

13. Allison Miller and Ulysses Owens Jr. in a serious percussion discussion with tap dancer Tommy Wasiuta:

 

14. And here's more Brian Blade but here someone took the time to isolate his drumming track on Joshua Redman's infamous recording of Jazz Crimes:

15. Dannie Richmond....nothing else to add here!

  

16. Fasten your seatbelts folks, here's a 1978 percussive encounter and drum duet between Tony Williams and Billy Cobham:

 

17. This is only an excerpt from Andrew Cyrille's hard-to-find instructional VHS cassette but this is really great none-the-less, playing Kenny Clarke's drum composition Laurent (also recorded on Pieces of Time featuring Andrew Cyrille, Kenny Clarke, Famoudou Don Moye and Milford Graves...check this one out if you haven't already!):

 

18. Alrighty, and now here's some inspiring music to check out this summer and listen to until further notice:

Elvin Jones - On the Mountain

 

Zakir Hussain and Ustad Allah Rakha (thank you to the late Duris Maxwell for recommending this one...)

 

Sonny Clark Trio with Max Roach 

(check out how Max Roach deals with his drum breaks and trading with no tom tom or floor tom)

 

Rose Room featuring Big Sid Catlett

 

Tony Williams - Some Hip Drum Shit

 

Mel Lewis - Rhythm (aka "That's All...")

 

Michael Stuart - The Blessing (featuring the legendary Claude Ranger on drums!)

 

19. What am I listening to these days?

Alexander Claffy "Good Spirits" - Joe Farnsworth (drums)

Keith Hall Trio "Made in Kalamazoo" - Keith Hall (drums)

Christian McBride's New Jawn "Prime" - Nasheet Waits (drums)

Artemis "In Real Time" - Allison Miller (drums)

Victor Feldman "The Arrival of Victor Feldman" - Stan Levey (drums)

Burton/Metheny/Holland/Haynes "Like Minds" - Roy Haynes (drums)

Lenny Breau "The Velvet Touch of Lenny Breau - LIVE!" - Reg Kelln (drums) Thanks Ben!

20. And today's Final Word goes to Langston Hughes via Reggie Quinerly:

“The only way to get a thing done is to start to do it, then keep on doing it, and finally you'll finish it.”

- Langston Hughes

Onwards and Upwards my friends...

Okay, that's all I've got for now. Thanks again for all your support and encouragement, it means a lot! 

Have a great Summer and see you all in the Fall.

Bernard Purdie - Telefunken

Thanks to the nice people at Telefunken for offering their Live at the Lab series featuring the legendary Bernard Purdie:

And if you need your fix of some other classic Bernard Purdie beats and a history lesson, check out this excerpt from Purdie's interview with Rick Beato:

 

And these are pretty good too!